Quality of Life Debated in the North End

At the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council meeting on January 14, Captain Thomas Lee discussed quality of life issues in the North End and briefly mentioned Councillor Salvatore LaMattina’s “Ordinance Regarding Nuisance Control” that he proposed a couple of months ago and which recently passed the Boston City Council.

The ordinance provides that excessive and unnecessary noise are a threat to the health, safety and quality of life for residents of Boston.  In addition, loud parties and gatherings may cause disruptive behavior that can lead to sleep disturbance and disruption of the quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood.

LaMattina’s ordinance permits the city to impose liability on property owners and other people for the nuisances and harm caused by “unruly gatherings on private property” and “prohibit[s] the consumption of alcoholic beverages” by underage people at the gatherings.  

“It will be a helpful new tool for the police department in dealing with some of the problem properties,” Capt. Lee said. “We’ve had multiple reports of loud music or parties.”

Capt. Lee said some of the residents at the meeting had questions and comments about the licensing procedures and whether some of the restaurants have closing hours later than others.

“A lot of the noise in the North End is related to people walking home at night, coming from Boston bars,” he said.

LaMattina’s ordinance provides for a two-level violation procedure, with lighter punishment for a first offense and increasing thereafter. 

Enforcement is doled out according to Chapter 40U of the Massachusetts General Laws, also known as the “Green Ticket” law, and enforced by the City of Boston police officers.

There will be a fine of $100 for the first time police respond and $300 for the second and subsequent responses for each person cited.

The ordinance is expected to be signed by Mayor Thomas Menino quite soon and will be effective immediately.

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